Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2025

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
07:42

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

5.5K

Mortality in critically ill COVID‑19 patients with fungal infections: a comprehensive systematic review and

Łukasz J Krzych1, Zbigniew Putowski2, Karol Gruca3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland

Polish Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 3, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Critically ill COVID-19 patients with fungal infections, particularly COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), face a significantly higher risk of death. Early detection and antifungal treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in these vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to secondary infections, including fungal coinfections.
  • Fungal infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients can lead to severe outcomes and increased mortality.
  • Data on the prevalence and impact of fungal coinfections in COVID-19 are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence and impact of fungal infections in critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • To determine the association between fungal coinfections and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
  • To analyze the specific impact of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and candidiasis (CAC) on mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov) up to January 8, 2022.
  • Inclusion of studies on critically ill adult COVID-19 patients with fungal coinfections.
  • Meta-analysis and subgroup analyses to evaluate mortality outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A total of 38 papers covering 17,695 patients were reviewed; 6.7% had fungal infections.
  • Overall mortality in the reviewed studies ranged from 29% to 100% (median 56%).
  • Fungal infections significantly increased mortality (OR 2.987). CAPA increased mortality by 3 times, and CAC by 2 times.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is common in critically ill COVID-19 patients and significantly elevates mortality risk.
  • COVID-19-associated candidiasis (CAC) also impacts mortality, though it occurs less frequently.
  • Clinical vigilance, screening, and personalized antifungal stewardship are recommended to improve patient prognosis.

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

10.7K
A Contemporary Warming/Restraining Device for Efficient Tail Vein Injections in a Murine Fungal Sepsis Model06:02

A Contemporary Warming/Restraining Device for Efficient Tail Vein Injections in a Murine Fungal Sepsis Model

Published on: November 6, 2020

15.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
509
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
151
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.6K
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
191
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
479
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
851